He didn’t even bother to lift his head. “Nope.”
What was wrong with him? A few minutes ago he had been laughing and joking with me. He had acted like he was over everything that happened yesterday but I guess not.
“Nothing? I guess I’ll ask around a little more.”
“Or you could just get over it.”
I was taken aback by how rude he was being. “What’s your problem?”
“Luke is one thing, but Gage? Aubrey, you don’t know what you’re getting into hanging out with him. I was trying to protect you, but you don’t trust me. You took his side. He’s a criminal!”
“How did you know about . . . ?”
“Some of the guys from the team saw you two walking together yesterday and told me. You need to stay away from him.”
I was shocked. Gage was right Mike was keeping tabs on me. “You’re unbelievable.”
I turned away from him and gathered my things into my bag. I was up and walking out as the bell rang.
☀☀☀
I walked out of class later with Sean heading to the quad for lunch. I saw the girls sitting at our normal table and headed toward them. Sean had started sitting with us after Mckayla asked him to formal, so now instead of walking me through the courtyard and turning around he came with me. He and Mckayla were becoming more comfortable around each other and didn’t seem to notice the rest of us. People around school noticed them together and it became common knowledge they were together. So far everyone was supportive and never mentioned them being from different groups. They were so adorable together it was hard to do anything but love them.
I didn’t want to ruin their moment but I needed help. “Guys, my plan for Mike to help me has totally backfired. He won’t even talk to me since the incident yesterday, and I still don’t know anything about Luke.”
Talia looked from the precious couple to me. “First, Mike will get over it. He’s a big boy. Second, what do you want to know? He’s single and dateless for formal.”
I was shocked. “How do you know that? I’ve been asking around for a week.”
“I’m all-knowing my dear . . . and he told me when I asked him this morning.” I stood up and hurried over to her. I threw my arms around her squeezing her.
“You are amazing! I could kiss you right now!”
She laughed and pushed me away. “As much as the guys would love to see that let’s not give them something to post on the internet. Go find Luke now.”
I waved bye to them and turned scoping out the courtyard hoping to see Luke.
He was sitting at a table close to the front of the school with some other guys. As I made my way toward him I saw Mike watching me out of the corner of my eye. I pushed him out of my mind and focused on Luke. When I got closer I slowed my steps realizing I had no idea what I was going to say. I couldn’t just ask him to formal, I would sound like a crazy person! Luckily Luke turned to me when I was a few feet away.
“Hey Aubrey.” His smile was stunning as always. It took my breath away.
How could I possibly think he would want to go with me? I was crazy and I needed to think of an excuse for me walking up to him fast.
“Hi Luke. I was just . . .”
“I was wondering if maybe you were free tonight. There’s a local place I wanted to show you before anyone else could.” He smiled at me waited for a response.
I couldn’t believe it! Luke just asked me out!
“Yeah I am.” I couldn’t stop smiling. I probably looked like a crazed clown.
“Great, I’ll be at your place at six.”
“Great.” I turned to walk away feeling like I was floating. When I made it back to the girls I caught Mike glaring at me from his table. I pushed it out of my mind. I wasn’t going to let the grump ruin the moment.
☀☀☀
Since Luke didn’t give me any hints of what he had planned I decided to conform to the local wardrobe. I slipped into jean cutoff shorts and a soft, maroon tee. Why was it always so hard to find the perfect balance of looking cute without looking like you put much effort in? I stared at my reflection unsatisfied with my look. Checking the clock I saw I had fifteen minutes before he was supposed to get here. I grabbed my curling iron and turned it on before pulling out my makeup bag.
I figured just a hint of eye makeup and lip gloss wouldn’t hurt. I stood debating how lame it would be to take a picture and send it to the girls for their approval.
No, I could do this on my own! Just because I haven’t been on a real first date in over a year doesn’t mean I need backup!
I added a few curls for an easy, beach wave look. I spun around and checked out the results of the curls down my back. Well, if all else fails, at least I’m having a good hair day. As I gave one spritz of hairspray the doorbell rang.
I told my reflection this was it and walked into the kitchen. Luke and Brandon both looked up at me as I entered stopping their conversation. Luke had his signature grin going, just for me. My heart skipped at the thought of spending time alone with him.
“Wow. Aubrey you look great!” With one look from him I felt more confident and beautiful. It was kind of pathetic that just one positive comment had such an effect on me. Why had I wasted so much time on losers in Chicago?
“Thanks Luke, so what’s the plan?”
“It’s a surprise. I just hope I’m the first to show you.” He could have told me anything and I would have agreed as long as that smile was aimed at me.
I looked at Brandon for a hint but he just smiled. “You guys have fun, but don’t stay out too late. It’s a school night.”
“That was a good impersonation of a responsible adult.” He laughed as he closed the door behind us. We got down to the parking garage and Luke headed toward his truck, but kept glancing back to my car.
“I have a random idea.” He turned back to me looking excited. “Why don’t we take my car?”
You would have thought I just told him school was canceled for the rest of the year and he was free to surf everyday all day. He was containing a huge smile, even his brown eyes were glowing with joy.
“If you really want to we can. I don’t want you to have to drive though.” This bashful act was almost comical.
“Can you drive stick?”
“Yeah I learned in my dad’s car.” I tossed him my keys and walked around to the passenger side.
“Perfect, just no tickets or scratches please.” I got into the seat as he stood there frozen.
“Seriously?” I nodded hoping he would get in soon. “This is awesome!” He got in and started the engine sighing as the car came to life.
“Are you going to tell me where you’re taking me yet, please?” I looked at his profile admiring how handsome he was.
“You’ll see in about fifteen minutes.” He turned and winked at me as he pulled off my street and onto the Pacific Coast Highway.
Comfortable conversation continued to flow as we drove. He explained competitive surfing and how close he was to getting a major sponsor. I tried to pay close attention but I was out of my element. This must be how people feel when I talk about dancing.
Luke was right on with his time estimate. He pulled into the small parking lot on the side of the highway that housed a small building with a sign above, “Shake Shack.” I got out and noticed the huge crowd gathered in front of the shack, this place must be extraordinary to draw in so many people to this obscure location.
Luke met me at the back of the car and took my hand leading me to the back of the line. As we got closer to the window to order I could make out the menu, a list of dozens of shake flavors.
“What’s your favorite flavor?” There were too many delicious-sounding choices to pick just one.
“Everything is really good but my favorites are chocolate turtle and Oreo, depending on my mood.” He focused on the menu as he spoke instead of looking at me. Apparently this was an incredibly important decision for him.
We both chose Oreo shakes and moved
to the patio on the side to find a table. The view of the ocean from the cliff we were on was breathtaking. Soon the sun would be setting and I wondered if Luke planned this whole romantic scene.
“I’m really happy you agreed to go out with me. I know you said on Sunday that you and Mike aren’t dating but rumors have been going around about you two.” He gazed at me over his shake looking like a little boy, so cute and innocent.
“I swear we are just friends. We actually got in an argument today over how controlling he is. He thinks he can tell me what to do and who to hang out with but he barely knows me.” I was getting frustrated all over again just thinking about him.
“Mike can be like that with the girls he hangs out with, especially when it’s a girl he likes.” He cocked an eyebrow at me, but I didn’t react. Whether or not he likes me is irrelevant, he shouldn’t think he can boss me around.
“Well I’m done playing his games, we can be friends but that’s it.” I paused and looked back at him trying to decide if I should tell him the whole, embarrassing truth. “If I tell you something will you promise you won’t make fun of me forever?”
He acted like he had to think about it for a while then agreed with a nod.
“I was hoping since we were friends he would help me. I wanted him to find out information for me . . . about you.”
He looked shocked. “Me? What did you want to know?”
“Just if you were dating anyone or if you had a winter formal date already. Mike was such a jerk about it though. He refused to tell me anything about you.”
Luke began laughing lightly and shook his head. “Aubrey, you should have just talked to me. I’m not a very private person. Did I give off a different impression on Sunday?”
“I honestly never thought about just asking you.” How dumb could I be? “Is there anyone else?” I looked down at my shake hoping he wouldn’t notice how nervous I suddenly was.
“Not really, well there is this one girl. She’s beautiful, but doesn’t seem to notice. She’s different from all of the other girls. She’s thoughtful and kind and makes friends with everyone she meets.”
This is my competition? No way would I . . .
”I’m talking about you.”
I looked up at him and saw that smile. The one that makes my stomach flip and my heart race. “Really?” The smile grew as he reached and took my hand.
“Absolutely. I haven’t been able to think of anything but you since we hung out. I actually wanted to ask you to the formal, but its girls ask guys so I didn’t know if I could break the rules. I guess I don’t really care . . . will you go with me, Aubrey?”
I had been holding my breath so I had to take a second to compose myself enough to not sound like a loon. “Yes, I would love to.”
Chapter 19
I was dreading school after the drama with Mike yesterday. I sat in my car before the bell rang contemplating ditching and going to the beach, or to the Dance Academy. I was in the middle of my inner debate when there was a tap on my window. I jumped and turned to see Talia and Alexis watching me. Rolling my window down I noticed they were both smiling like they were up to something.
“What’s up guys?”
Talia’s mischievous smile grew. “You might want to hurry to first period. I would hate for you to miss anything.”
“Class doesn’t start for another five minutes, why should I rush?”
Alexis now resembled the Cheshire cat. “Just get out and walk with us!”
They had never acted like this before. Something was up but I couldn’t think of anything. I had called them after my date last night, so it couldn’t be anything about that. How could they already know something else? It’s been eight hours since we talked.
I got out and grabbed my bag from the passenger seat and followed them through the parking lot.
Talia stop suddenly and grabbed my arm. Reaching into her bag she pulled out a lip gloss and handed it to me. “You should put this on . . . I just got it, but it’s more your color.” As she was saying this Alexis was fixing my hair finger-combing through the waves.
“You guys are freaking me out! What’s going on?” They giggled for a brief moment then Talia winked at me and pushed me toward the math hall. I turned and saw them smiling at me. This was so weird. I waved then walked into class and took a seat as the bell rang.
Before Mr. Cox could greet the class there was a beep as the morning announcements started. Our principal’s voice came through the speakers.
“Good morning students. I know most of you have been anxiously anticipating the results of winter formal court nominations but the wait is now over.” I rolled my eyes. This school is a tad dramatic. He continued to announce the senior nominees then moved to the juniors. “The nominees for junior king are Mike Thomas . . .” Cheering broke out in the class as Mike stood behind me and started waving. “ . . . Tucker McLane, Ryan Philips, and finally Luke Keller.” There was some cheering in the class and I could hardly contain my smile. I was going to formal with one of the potential kings.
“The nominees for junior queen are Michelle Barnes, Sydney Hall . . .” There were only a few people that gave a courtesy clap for her, but she barely noticed when she stood beaming and gave her best princess wave to the class. “ . . . Shelby Terry, and finally Aubrey Tate.”
My mind froze. Did he just say my name? I turned to ask Nick if I heard correctly and saw him smiling at me clapping. I was so confused. I have been at the school for two weeks! Was this some sort of sick joke, like Carrie? Mike was rubbing my shoulders and saying something but I couldn’t hear. The other guys in the class were cheering for me and shouting things. I looked over to Sydney whose face was beet red. Oh no, she was furious and focused on me. She screamed and ran out of class with her two minions behind her.
After a few minutes the class settled down enough for Mr. Cox to give his lesson. I was barely paying attention and didn’t get any of the notes since my head was still spinning. He dismissed us with about thirty minutes left in class and Mike scooted next to me as usual ignoring our mini fight from yesterday.
“Congratulations my future queen!” I blushed at this. I still didn’t understand what happened.
“You too, future king. I don’t know how this happened though. I didn’t know there were enough people who knew me to get nominated.”
“You’re more popular than you think. I would try to stay away from Sydney though. She looks like she’s on a war path.” Yeah, that was another issue I would have to deal with.
“I don’t plan on getting in her way. Who’s her date? I haven’t heard.”
“It’s Ryan Philips, he was nominated for king.”
“Is that a requirement? Nominees have to go together?”
“No it just tends to happen. My date is Shelby, so it worked out for us too.”
“Are Michelle and Tucker going together?”
“They probably will now, unless she asks Luke.”
“Oh, actually we’re going together.”
He did his best not to react but I saw his mouth tighten when I said that. “Oh really? So are you guys dating now?”
“We’ve just gone out a few times. I don’t think we’re an official couple or anything yet.”
“But you like him?”
I smiled thinking about last night. “Yeah I do.”
“Well good for you. I don’t know what you see in him, but at least he’s not Gage Vincent.”
“What do you mean? Do you not like him or Gage? Do you even know them?”
“Yeah I know them a lot better than you think you do. You should have just stayed around me and the guys.”
“I appreciate you being my friend and introducing me to the team, but I can have other friends.”
“I’m aware. You are free to make your own mistakes, but don’t come crying to me when you end up broken hearted again.”
It was unfair for him to use the secrets I’ve told him against me. “What do you have against Luke?”
<
br /> “I’ve known him for years, Aubrey. I have my reasons for not liking him. I’ve just been trying to watch out for you. You’re the one who pushed me away.” He seemed truly upset now. He moved his seat back and ignored me for the rest of class. His harsh words were enough to make me mad but the silent treatment was over the top.
I lost count of how many classes I’ve stormed out of this week. My old school was never this dramatic, well besides Derek and Morgan.
I was out the door as the bell rang just wanting to get away from Mike and his stupid controlling ways. I wasn’t paying attention and slammed into someone. Arms were wrapped around me before I had the chance to look up at who it was. Gage was looking down at me with concerned eyes. Before he could say anything a hand gripped his shoulder pulling him away from me. He turned to face who had grabbed him when I saw it was Mike.
“Don’t ever touch her!” He looked furious. I never expect Mike to be a violent person but I could see the potential in his face now.
“What is your problem, Mike?” I was trying to step between them but the hallway was crowded and a few of Mike’s friends had appeared.
“He’s a killer, Aubrey! I want to make it clear that he cannot come near you without dealing with one of us.”
I was shocked that he would yell that in front of everyone in the hall. My instinct was to defend Gage even though he could probably do a better job himself. “That was an accident. You can’t keep blaming him for something that happened over a year ago that wasn’t even his fault!”
I could feel the tension growing between the two of them and wanted to get them separated before something happened. I went to take Gage’s hand, but large hands grabbed me by the arms and pulled me back out of the way.
Mike and Gage were yelling at each other but there was too much noise in the hall for me to hear. I was trying to pull myself out of the grasp of whoever was holding me. “Aubrey, just let them go. Don’t get in the middle. This has been brewing between the two of them for years.” I recognized Bear’s voice behind me as he released my arms but held me to his side with an arm around my shoulders. I couldn’t stand there and watch them fight, but before I could move toward them Mike threw a punch at Gage’s face. I screamed out, but Gage dodged it.
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